Ralph DiClemente
Ralph DiClemente
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Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Professional overview
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Dr. Ralph DiClemente was trained as a Health Psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco where he received his PhD in 1984 after completing a ScM at the Harvard School of Public Health. He earned his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York.
Dr. DiClemente’s research has four key foci:
- Developing interventions to reduce the risk of HIV/STD among vulnerable populations
- Developing interventions to enhance vaccine uptake among high-risk adolescents and women, such as HPV and influenza vaccine
- Developing implementation science interventions to enhance the uptake, adoption and sustainability of HIV/STD prevention programs in the community
- Developing diabetes screening and behavior change interventions to identify people with diabetes who are unaware of their disease status as well as reduce the risk of diabetes among vulnerable populations.
He has focused on developing intervention packages that blend community and technology-based approaches that are designed to optimize program effectiveness and enhance programmatic sustainability.
Dr. DiClemente is the author of ten CDC-defined, evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young African-American women and men. He is the author of more than 540 peer-review publications, 150 book chapters, and 21 books. He serves as a member of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.
Previously, Dr. DiClemente served as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He was also Associate Director of the Center for AIDS Research, and was previously Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health.
Dr. DiClemente is Past President of the Georgia chapter of the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine. He previously served as a member of the CDC Board of Scientific Counselors, and the NIMH Advisory Council.
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Education
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BA, The City College of the City University of New York (CCNY), New York, NYScM, Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MAPhD, Health Psychology, University of California San Francisco Center for Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco, CAPostdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Areas of research and study
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Community InterventionsDiabetesHIV/AIDSImplementation scienceInfluenzaPsychology
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Publications
Publications
Efficacy of an HIV/STI Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for African American Adolescent Girls in Juvenile Detention Centers : A Randomized Controlled Trial
AbstractDiClemente, R., Davis, T. L., Swartzendruber, A., Fasula, A. M., Boyce, L., Gelaude, D., Gray, S. C., Hardin, J., Rose, E., Carry, M., Sales, J. M., Brown, J. L., & Staples-Horne, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Women and HealthVolume
54Issue
8Page(s)
726-749AbstractFew HIV/STI interventions exist for African American adolescent girls in juvenile detention. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to reduce incident STIs, improve HIV-preventive behaviors, and enhance psychosocial outcomes. We conducted a randomized controlled trial among African American adolescent girls (13–17 years, N = 188) in juvenile detention from March 2011 to May 2012. Assessments occurred at baseline and 3- and 6-months post-randomization and included: audio computer-assisted self-interview, condom skills assessment, and self-collected vaginal swab to detect Chlamydia and gonorrhea. The Imara intervention included three individual-level sessions and four phone sessions; expedited partner therapy was offered to STI-positive adolescents. The comparison group received the usual care provided by the detention center: STI testing, treatment, and counseling. At the 6-month assessment (3-months post-intervention), Imara participants reported higher condom use self-efficacy (p < 0.001), HIV/STI knowledge (p < 0.001), and condom use skills (p < 0.001) compared to control participants. No significant differences were observed between trial conditions in incident Chlamydia or gonorrhea infections, condom use, or number of vaginal sex partners. Imara for detained African American adolescent girls can improve condom use skills and psychosocial outcomes; however, a critical need for interventions to reduce sexual risk remains.Efficacy of sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus sexual risk-reduction intervention for African American adolescent females seeking sexual health services : A randomized controlled trial
AbstractDiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., Rose, E. S., Sales, J. M., Lang, D. L., Caliendo, A. M., Hardin, J. W., & Crosby, R. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineVolume
163Issue
12Page(s)
1112-1121AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to reduce incident sexually transmitted disease (STD) and enhance STD/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-preventive behaviors and psychosocial mediators. Design: A randomized controlled trial of an HIV prevention program. Setting: Clinic-based sample in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants: African American adolescent females (N=715), aged 15 to 21 years, seeking sexual health services. Participants completed an audio computerassisted self-interview and provided self-collected vaginal specimens for STD testing. Intervention: Intervention participants received two 4-hour group sessions and 4 telephone contacts over a 12-month period, targeting personal, relational, sociocultural, and structural factors associated with adolescents' STD/HIV risk, and were given vouchers facilitating male partners' STD testing/treatment. Main Outcome Measure: Incident chlamydial infections. Results: Over the 12-month follow-up, fewer adolescents in the intervention had a chlamydial infection (42 vs 67; risk ratio [RR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.98; P=.04) or recurrent chlamydial infection (4 vs 14; RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.83; P=.02). Adolescents in the intervention also reported a higher proportion of condom-protected sex acts in the 60 days preceding follow-up assessments (mean difference, 10.84; 95% CI, 5.27 to 16.42; PEfficacy of SISTA South Africa on sexual behavior and relationship control among isiXhosa women in South Africa : Results of a randomized-controlled trial
AbstractWingood, G. M., Reddy, P., Lang, D. L., Saleh-Onoya, D., Braxton, N., Sifunda, S., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromesVolume
63Issue
SUPPL. 1Page(s)
S59-S65AbstractBackground: The HIV epidemic has a devastating impact among South African women. The current study evaluated the efficacy of SISTA South Africa, a culturally congruent HIV intervention for isiXhosa women in South Africa, which was adapted from SISTA, an HIV intervention for African American women. Methods: A randomized-controlled trial recruited 342 isiXhosa women aged 18-35 years. Participants were randomized to the general health comparison or the SISTA South Africa intervention. Xhosa-speaking peer health educators tailored the SISTA South Africa curriculum, while maintaining the core elements of the original SISTA intervention. Participants completed assessments at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Results: Relative to participants in the comparison, participants in the HIV intervention reduced the frequency of unprotected vaginal intercourse acts (adjusted mean difference = 1.06; P = 0.02), were more likely to report not desiring dry sex (adjusted odds ratio = 0.229; 95% confidence interval = 0.10 to 0.47; P = 0.0001), and were more likely to perceive that their main sexual partner did not desire dry sex (adjusted odds ratio = 0.24; 95% confidence interval = 0.11 to 0.52; P = 0.0001). In addition, women randomized to the intervention also reported an increase in HIV knowledge, greater relationship control, and had more opposing attitudes toward HIV stigma. The HIV intervention did not reduce sexually transmitted infection incidence. Conclusions: This trial demonstrates that an HIV intervention, which is adapted to enhance its gender and cultural relevance for rural isiXhosa women, can reduce self-reported sexual risk behaviors and enhance mediators of HIV among this vulnerable population.Emotional victimization and sexual risk-taking behaviors among adolescent African American women
AbstractYounge, S. N., Salazar, L. F., Sales, J. M., DiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., & Rose, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Journal title
Journal of Child and Adolescent TraumaVolume
3Issue
2Page(s)
79-94AbstractPrevious research has demonstrated that a history of gender-based victimization is associated with higher rates of sexual risk-taking behaviors among adolescents. Victimization can occur in various forms. To date, no published studies have examined the relationship between the different forms of victimization and sexual risk-taking behaviors among African American adolescent women. This study explored the association between different forms of victimization and sexual risk behaviors using baseline data from participants (N = 715) with a mean age of 17.9 (SD = 1.7), who were enrolled in a larger intervention study. The results revealed that a history of any form of victimization was associated with some form of sexual risk behaviors.Employing a teen advisory board to adapt an evidence-based HIV/STD intervention for incarcerated African-American adolescent women
AbstractLatham, T. P., Sales, J. M., Renfro, T. L., Boyce, L. S., Rose, E., Murray, C. C., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Health Education ResearchVolume
27Issue
5Page(s)
895-903AbstractThis manuscript assesses priorities and challenges of adolescent females by conducting a meeting with teen advisory board (TAB) members to collect information regarding their lives and experiences pre-, during and post-incarceration in a juvenile detention facility. Multiple themes emerged regarding the impact of incarceration on young African-American females, including experiencing a loss of personal liberties, the importance of making money upon release, unfaithfulness by partners on the 'outside', substance use and lack of control over their environment upon release, including parents, peers and male sexual partners. Based on feedback from TAB members, unique barriers and challenges were identified that suggested areas where adaptations to an evidenced-based HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) intervention would be justified to more adequately meet the needs of this particular subgroup of young African-American women. Adaptations to the evidence-based interventions included enhancing activities related to goal setting, emotion regulation skills, decision-making, recognizing and utilizing support networks and addressing the relationship between substance use and risky sexual behavior. Future health education efforts focusing on either the creation of new HIV/STD interventions or adaptations to existing interventions should consider utilizing advisory boards with members of the priority population at the earliest stages of intervention planning.Enhancing adoption of evidence-based HIV interventions : Promotion of a suite of HIV prevention interventions for African American women
AbstractWingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
AIDS Education and PreventionVolume
18Issue
SUPPL. APage(s)
161-170AbstractThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently promotes an HIV prevention intervention for young adult African American women, known as SISTA, through the Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) program. Nationally, more than 700 agencies have completed a 1-week CDC-funded training to implement SISTA. Agencies that have been trained in SISTA are also eligible to receive training in a newly published HIV prevention intervention for African American adolescent females, known as SiHLE (Sistering, Informing, Healing, Living, and Empowering), as well as to receive training in a newly published prevention intervention for women living with HIV, known as WiLLOW (Women Involved in Life Learning From Other Women). All three of these HIV prevention interventions, target African American females, are designed to reduce HIV sexual risk behaviors and share similar theoretical, core, and methodological elements. The diffusion of innovation paradigm suggests that if potential adopters perceive one innovation as being closely related to another innovation, it may be useful to promote a cluster of innovations, rather than to treat each new innovation separately. This article examines how promotion of a suite of HIV interventions for African American females may facilitate adoption of the three evidence-based HIV interventions for this population.Enhancing recruitment and retention of minority young women in community-based clinical research
AbstractWiemann, C. M., Chacko, M. R., Tucker, J. C., Velasquez, M. M., Smith, P. B., DiClemente, R., & Von Sternberg, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyVolume
18Issue
6Page(s)
403-407AbstractWomen are disproportionately affected by the sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemic, with African-Americans and Latinos at significantly higher risk for STIs than Caucasians. Successful recruitment and retention strategies used with young minority women in community-based STI prevention or intervention research have not been previously reported. This communication presents eight key strategies learned in the recruitment and retention of 16- to 21-year-old urban women participating in a 12-month randomized clinical trial designed to promote STI screening to decrease the duration of untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea infection. Strategies learned include: (1) Educate clinic staff on the rigors of study design; (2) Facilitate a team effort between clinical and research staff; modify recruitment procedures, as needed; (3) Provide prospective participants the option of enrolling by return appointment; (4) Anticipate a diminishing recruitment pool over time; (5) Set positive recruitment tone at the beginning of each clinic session; (6) Consider participants' mothers as important points of contact; (7) Match communication styles to participant contacts; and (8) Consider a variety of retention techniques. Together, these strategies helped to reinforce participant's commitment to the project, facilitated their attendance at interviews, and encouraged them to adhere to the treatment protocol.Enhancing STD/HIV prevention among adolescents : The importance of parental monitoring
AbstractDiClemente, R., Diclemente, R. J., Crosby, R. A., & Wingood, G. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2002Journal title
Minerva PediatricaVolume
54Issue
3Page(s)
171-177AbstractThe risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV infection is one of the most significant and immediate risks to the health and well being of adolescents. One promising strategy to protect adolescents from STD/HIV infection is to promote parental monitoring. In this article, we first review selected observational studies that provide evidence supporting the value of parental monitoring in reducing adolescents' risk of STD/HIV acquisition. Subsequently, we discuss the potential implications of the research in regards to clinic-and community-based STD/HIV prevention programs for adolescents.Enhancing the value of patient delay studies for cancer control : methodological and statistical considerations.
AbstractDiClemente, R., DiClemente, R. J., & Temoshok, L. (n.d.).Publication year
1983Journal title
Progress in clinical and biological researchVolume
120Page(s)
129-137Abstract~Ensuring fidelity : key elements to consider in disseminating a diabetes telemanagement program for underserved Hispanic/Latinos living with type 2 diabetes
AbstractMartinez, S., Nouryan, C. N., Williams, M. S., Patel, V. H., Barbero, P., Correa Gomez, V., Marino, J., Goris, N., Cigaran, E., Granville, D., Murray, L. F., Harris, Y. T., Myers, A., Guzman, J., Makaryus, A. N., McFarlane, S. I., Zeltser, R., Pena, M., Sison, C., … Pekmezaris, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and HealthcareVolume
5AbstractBackground: The Hispanic/Latino population has greater risk (estimated >50%) of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and developing it at a younger age. The American Diabetes Association estimates costs of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 was $327 billion; with medical costs 2.3x higher than patients without diabetes. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the methodology utilized in a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a diabetes telemanagement (DTM) program for Hispanic/Latino patients with T2D. The intent is to provide information for future investigators to ensure that this study can be accurately replicated. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with 240 participants. Eligible patients (Hispanic/Latino, aged 18+, living with T2D) were randomized to Comprehensive Outpatient Management (COM) or DTM. DTM was comprised of usual care, including routine clinic visits every three months, as well as: Biometrics (a tablet, blood glucose meter, blood pressure monitor, and scale); Weekly Video Visits (facilitated in the patient’s preferred language); and Educational Videos (including culturally congruent diabetes self-management education and quizzes). COM consisted of usual care including routine clinic visits every three months. For this study, COM patients received a glucometer, glucose test strips, and lancets. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship was a fundamental component of our study for both groups. First contact (post-enrollment) centered on ensuring that patients and caregivers understood the program, building trust and rapport, creating a non-judgmental environment, determining language preference, and establishing scheduling availability (including evenings and weekends). DTM were provided with a tablet which allowed for self-paced education through videos and weekly video visits. The research team and Community Advisory Board identified appropriate educational video content, which was incorporated in diabetes educational topics. Video visits allowed us to assess patient involvement, motivation, and nonverbal communication. Communicating in Spanish, and awareness of diverse Hispanic/Latino backgrounds was critical, as using relevant and commonly-used terms can increase adherence and improve outcomes. Shared decision-making was encouraged to make realistic health care choices. Conclusion: Key elements discussed above provide a framework for future dissemination of an evidence-based DTM intervention to meet the needs of underserved Hispanic/Latino people living with T2D.Environmental barriers to HIV prevention among incarcerated adolescents : A qualitative assessment
AbstractFreedman, D., Salazar, L. F., Crosby, R. A., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
AdolescenceVolume
40Issue
158Page(s)
333-343AbstractThe purpose of this research was to identify environmental factors that influence incarcerated adolescents' risk for HIV/STDs. Based on data from six gender-stratified focus groups consisting of 28 incarcerated adolescents from three detention centers in Georgia, the following salient environments emerged: schools, families, peer groups, neighborhoods, malls, and detention centers. These environments represent places in which factors related to sexual decision-making are embedded for this high-risk population. Within these environments, five factors influence their risk for HIV/STDs: (1) hierarchical messages that promote abstinence and risk reduction, (2) availability and accessibility of condoms, (3) acceptability of condoms, (4) availability of comprehensive sex education, and (5) parental communication about sex and risk reduction. Increased understanding of the role of these factors may contribute to the development of integrated interventions designed to prevent HIV/STDs among incarcerated adolescents.Epidemiology of AIDS, HIV Prevalence, and HIV Incidence Among Adolescents
AbstractDiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
1992Journal title
Journal of School HealthVolume
62Issue
7Page(s)
325-330AbstractABSTRACT: Health educators, policy analysts, and public health officials are becoming more aware of the serious threat HIV poses to the health of U.S. adolescents. While AIDS among adolescents remains relatively uncommon, considerable data indicates this age group has alarmingly high HIV infection rates and that minority adolescents are at disproportionately greater risk of HIV infection relative to their White peers. Recent seroconversion studies of active duty military personnel indicate that the number of new HIV infections (incident cases) are especially high among Black adolescents. Findings suggest the urgent need for more tailored HIV prevention programs, especially gender‐ and ethnic‐specific programs. 1992 American School Health AssociationErratum : Associations between sexually transmitted diseases and young adults' self-reported abstinence (Pediatrics (2011) 127, 2, (208-213) DOI:10.1542/peds.2009-0892)
AbstractDiClemente, R., & DiClemente, R. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
PediatricsVolume
127Issue
4Page(s)
805Abstract~Erratum : Clarification of "impact of a physician recommendation and parental immunization attitudes on receipt or intention to receive adolescent vaccines" (Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (2014) 9 (2627-33) DOI: 10.4161/ hv.25823)
AbstractGargano, L. M., Herbert, N., Painter, J. E., Sales, J. M., Morfaw, C., Rask, K., Murray, D., DiClemente, R., & Hughes, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Human Vaccines and ImmunotherapeuticsVolume
10Issue
9Page(s)
2631Abstract~Erratum to : Adaptation of the African couples HIV testing and counseling model for men who have sex with men in the United States: an application of the ADAPT-ITT framework
AbstractSullivan, P. S., Stephenson, R., Gratzer, B., Wingood, G., DiClemente, R., Allen, S., Hoff, C., Salazar, L., Scales, L., Montgomery, J., Schwartz, A., Barnes, J., & Grabbe, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
SpringerPlusVolume
3Issue
1Page(s)
1Abstract~Erratum to : Neighborhood Condition and Geographic Locale in Assessing HIV/STI Risk Among African American Adolescents [AIDS and Behavior, DOI:10.1007/s10461-014-0868-y]
AbstractKerr, J. C., Valois, R. F., Siddiqi, A., Vanable, P., Carey, M. P., DiClemente, R., Romer, D., Brown, L. K., Farber, N. B., & Salazar, L. F. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
19Issue
6Page(s)
1014-1015Abstract~Evaluating the healthfulness of Asian American young adult dietary behaviors and its association with family structure : Disaggregated results from NHIS 2015
AbstractAli, S. H., Parekh, N., Islam, N. S., Merdjanoff, A. A., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Nutrition and HealthAbstractBackground: Asian Americans (AA) young adults face a growing non-communicable disease burden linked with poor dietary behaviors. Family plays a significant role in shaping the diet of AA young adults, although little is known on the specific types of family structures most associated with different dietary behaviors. Aim: This analysis explores the changes in dietary behaviors across different AA young adult family structural characteristics. Methods: Nationwide data of 18–35-year-old self-identified Asians surveyed in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. Family structure was measured through family size, family health, and family members in one's life. The Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) measured the average intake of 10 food and nutrient groups. Published dietary guidelines were used to calculate the number of dietary recommendations met. Results: 670 AA young adults with dietary data were analyzed (26.1% Asian Indian, 26.1% Chinese, 19.3% Filipino, 28.5% other Asian). Participants had an average family size of 2.3. In weighted analyses, 19% of AA young adults met none of the examined dietary recommendations, and only 14% met 3–4 guidelines. Living with a child was associated meeting more dietary recommendations (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.42). The adjusted association between living with an older adult and lower odds of meeting dietary recommendations approached significance (AOR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.49, 1.00). Conclusions: Findings revealed the important role of children and older adults in influencing the diet of AA young adults. Further mixed-methods research to disentangle mechanisms behind the influence of family structure on diet is warranted.Evaluating the Role of Family Context Within a Randomized Adolescent HIV-Risk Prevention Trial
AbstractBarker, D. H., Hadley, W., McGee, H., Donenberg, G. R., DiClemente, R., & Brown, L. K. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
23Issue
5Page(s)
1195-1209AbstractProject STYLE is a multi-site 3-arm RCT comparing family-based, adolescent-only, and general health promotion interventions with 721 adolescents in mental health treatment. This study reports 12-month outcomes for family context and sexual risk behaviors, and explores the role of baseline family context in modifying treatment response. Using the full sample, there were sustained benefits for parent-reported sexual communication (d = 0.28), and adolescent-reported parental monitoring (d = 0.24), with minimal differences in risk behaviors. Latent profile analysis identified four family context classes: struggling (n = 177), authoritative (n = 183), authoritarian (n = 175), and permissive (n = 181). The authoritarian and permissive classes were also distinguished by disagreement between parent and adolescent report of family context. Classes differed in terms of baseline mental health burden and baseline sexual risk behavior. Classes showed different patterns of treatment effects, with the struggling class showing consistent benefit for both family context and sexual risk. In contrast, the authoritarian class showed a mixed response for family context and increased sexual risk.Evaluation of an HIV/STD Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Pregnant African American Adolescents Attending a Prenatal Clinic in an Urban Public Hospital : Preliminary Evidence of Efficacy
AbstractDiClemente, R., DiClemente, R. J., Wingood, G. M., Rose, E., Sales, J. M., & Crosby, R. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Journal title
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyVolume
23Issue
1Page(s)
32-38AbstractStudy Objective: To evaluate an intervention to reduce HIV/STD-associated behaviors and enhance psychosocial mediators for pregnant African-American adolescents. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments. Setting: An urban public hospital in the Southeastern U.S. Participants: Pregnant African-American adolescents (N = 170), 14-20 years of age, attending a prenatal clinic. Intervention: Intervention participants received two 4-hr group sessions enhancing self-concept and self-worth, HIV/STD prevention skills, and safer sex practices. Participants in the comparison condition received a 2-hr session on healthy nutrition. Main Outcome Measures: Consistent condom use. Results: Intervention participants reported greater condom use at last intercourse (adjusted odds ratio = 3.9, P = 0.05) and consistent condom use (AOR = 7.9, P = 0.05), higher sexual communication frequency, enhanced ethnic pride, higher self-efficacy to refuse risky sex, and were less likely to fear abandonment as a result of negotiating safer sex. Conclusions: Interventions for pregnant African-American adolescents can enhance condom use and psychosocial mediators.Evaluation of School-based AIDS Education Curricula in San Francisco
AbstractDiClemente, R., Pies, C. A., Stoller, E. J., Straits, C., Olivia, G. E., Rutherford, G. W., & Haskin, J. (n.d.).Publication year
1989Journal title
The Journal of Sex ResearchVolume
26Issue
2Page(s)
188-198AbstractStudents in 3 middle (n=385) and 3 high schools (n=254) in the San Francisco Unified School District participated in the evaluation of an AIDS education curriculum. Classes within-schools were designated as eitherintervention classes or nonintervention classes. Students in intervention classes received 3 class periods of AIDS instruction with a newly developed curriculum. Students in nonintervention classes did not receive any special AIDS instruction. All students completed a pretest and posttest AIDS knowledge and attitude survey. The results indicated that AIDS instruction classes demonstrated a significant knowl-edge-advantage, as well as change in attitudes {e.g., reflecting greater tolerance for attending class with students who may have AIDS or HIV infection).Evaluation of the exposure effects of a theory-based street outreach HIV intervention on African-American drug users
AbstractDiClemente, R., Collins, C., Kohler, C., DiClemente, R., & Wang, M. Q. (n.d.).Publication year
1999Journal title
Evaluation and Program PlanningVolume
22Issue
3Page(s)
279-293AbstractThe Street Outreach to Drug Abusers - Community AIDS Prevention (SODA - CAP) Project implemented and evaluated an HIV-prevention intervention aimed at current drug users. The intervention was developed using social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model of change. The outreach team assessed individuals' stages of change for the target behaviors and they were given stage-appropriate role-model stories. The program effects were evaluated using a quasi-experimental design with a repeated, cross-sectional sampling method in which community surveys were administered at baseline, 12 and 22 months. Multivariate statistical models were developed for four outcomes (condom use with main and other partners, treatment entry, and stopping all drug and alcohol use). Exposure to intervention was a significant predictor for condom use with other partners and for stopping drug and alcohol use.Examining interest in secondary abstinence among young African American females at risk for HIV or STIs
AbstractBradley, E. L., Sales, J. M., Murray, C. C., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Health Education ResearchVolume
27Issue
6Page(s)
1120-1128AbstractSexually active African American females are at increased risk for acquiring HIV or STIs. However, some reduce their risk by abstaining from sex for various periods of time following initiation, a practice known as secondary abstinence. Although this may be a valuable mechanism for reducing HIV or STI rates in this population, little is known about those interested in secondary abstinence. Baseline data were obtained from a sample of African American adolescent females, ages 14-20 years, prior to participation in an HIV-risk reduction intervention trial (N = 701). Differences in individual-level and interpersonal-level factors, as well as sociodemographic variables were examined between participants who reported strong interest in secondary abstinence and those who did not. 144 (20.5%) participants reported strong interest in secondary abstinence. Young women with strong interest in abstinence had higher odds of reporting a history of STIs and feeling negative emotions following sex because of their religious beliefs. They also had higher odds of believing their partner may be interested in abstaining and being less invested in their relationship with their main partner. Additionally, adolescents reported less interpersonal stress and more social support. African American females who are interested in practicing secondary abstinence and those who are not differ in their sexual health education needs. Findings from this study characterizing young women interested in secondary abstinence can help researchers provide more targeted health education by identifying those who may be more responsive to abstinence-promoting messages.Examining Parental Monitoring as a Pathway From Community Violence Exposure to Drug Use, Risky Sex, and Recidivism Among Detained Youth
AbstractVoisin, D. R., Tan, K., Tack, A. C., Wade, D., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Journal of Social Service ResearchVolume
38Issue
5Page(s)
699-711AbstractThis study examined whether parental monitoring mediated the relationship between community violence exposure and a spectrum of behaviors such as recidivism, risky sex, and drug use among youth with a history of being detained. It also explored whether risk pathways differed by gender. Adolescents (n = 550) who were detained or previously detained were recruited from eight regional detention facilities in Georgia. Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technology was used to assess demographic factors (i.e., age, race, and socioeconomic status), risky sex, drug use, and recidivism prior to being detained. Major findings indicated direct relationships between community violence exposures and risky sex and drug use in the 2 months prior to being detained. Findings also indicated that parental monitoring mediated these relationships for both adolescent males and females. These findings document that parental monitoring is an important element even for troubled youth across a broad spectrum of risk factors. Consequently, it is recommended that intervention programs examine the differential effects of monitoring behaviors by a variety of groups such as parental figures, teachers, and peer mentors.Examining the relationship between psychotropic medication use and testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea among detained adolescents
AbstractVoisin, D. R., Harris, T. T., Crosby, R. A., Salazar, L. F., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Children and Youth Services ReviewVolume
33Issue
9Page(s)
1527-1530AbstractObjective: We examined whether psychotropic medication (PTM) use was related to testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea among detained adolescents. Methods: A convenience sample of 550 detained adolescents ages 14-18. years were recruited from eight youth detention centers in Georgia. Using A-CASI technology, data was collected on demographic factors, use of PTM, and sexual risk behaviors. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea diagnoses were assessed by laboratory testing. Results: Thirteen percent (13.1%) of adolescents not using PTMs tested positive for STIs compared to only 4.9% of those reporting PTM use. PTM users had a 62% smaller odds ratio for testing positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Conclusion: Findings suggest that use of psychotropic medication, if deemed useful by detained youth, may be a protective factor against engaging in behaviors which may culminate in contracting some STDs. The practice implications are discussed within the context of these findings.Expanding the Pediatrician's Role in HIV Prevention for Adolescents
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Brown, L. K. (n.d.).Publication year
1994Journal title
Clinical PediatricsVolume
33Issue
4Page(s)
235-240Abstract~